Healani Brennan
Staff Writer

The policy of killing an animal if they attack a human being is a barbaric act. Recently, a news story reported on how a volunteer at a zoo walked into a lion cage and was mauled by the lion. Other zoo workers immediately shot and killed the lion.

Lions are close to extinction already. Zoos are meant to protect and preserve the animals. The cages that hold these animals are meant to act as a home for them. It’s their territory and the only environment they have ever known if they were raised in captivity. Anyone intruding in on this space should expect hostility.

Humans breach on other humans’ territory every day. Burglars, for example, break into homes, steal things, and break things. This is an invasion of privacy. Many individuals wouldn’t hesitate to shoot another being if they intruded their space, so why is it such a huge deal that animals attack as well?

It’s not only in their primal nature, but it’s also a form of protection and a reaction to fear. Many people get away with this because it’s an act of self-defense; an argument that can be made for that lion.

Pit bulls are the same in this sense. When they feel threatened for themselves or their family, it’s an instinct to attack. More pit bulls are put down in humane societies [and outside those kennels] than any other animal.

In fact, this breed is almost guaranteed to be put down if put in some form of shelter. The Pit Bull Rescue Central estimates that 200 dogs are put down in Los Angeles daily. Imagine what that number would be across the U.S.

Animals deserve respectful treatment. People cage them up in zoos to be observed, far away from the homes they are meant to be in. Some individuals love them so much that they get them as pets, which is great if they treat them correctly.

It’s horrifying that so many species are going into extinction and that domesticated animals are overpopulated. A healthy balance needs to be established and that starts with every individual taking responsibility and doing their best to neuter pets or to aid endangered animals.